Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Elland

"One of the most popular family attractions in Leeds, Tropical World makes for a fantastic day out. It’s home to one of the biggest collections of tropical plants outside of Kew Gardens, but that’s not what’s going to have the kids excited, because you’ll also find a medley of animals here. You’ll peer into tanks of piranhas, catch a glimpse of their crocodile and walk through rooms filled with butterflies, birds and even bats (don’t worry, there’s a wall of glass to protect you in that one)."

"Finally, this indoor attraction is home to one of the largest collections of tropical plants anywhere in the UK, and a whole host of exotic creatures including crocodiles, butterflies, piranhas, and meerkats. The different areas will take you on a thrilling journey through mangroves, desert and rainforest, exploring the habitats of some amazing animals. The rainforest canopy and waterfall areas are a particular highlight."

"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"It is on the eastern side of the centre of Glossop and fringes onto the Conservation Area of Old Glossop. There is a car park at Corn Mill and on-street parking is available nearby. Again, it's not technically a theme park, but with this much going on for free, it deserves a mention."

"An intimate bar, a handsome dining room, impeccable service and knockout steaks and seafood - Hawksmoor offers a consistently excellent dining experience, so it's a failsafe for Valentine's Day. Based inside an old Victorian courthouse, the Deansgate restaurant is an impressive but understated setting for a date with its tiled walls, parquet floors and comfy leather chairs. The larger cuts of steak like chateaubriand, porterhouse, T-bone or bone-in prime rib are made for sharing with your Valentine."

"There is something about Hawksmoor that taps into a primal part of your being that is so unbelievably satisfying, and that thing is unadulterated beef. The Manchester Hawksmoor is the first of its kind outside of London and is housed in a late-Victorian courthouse which is full of traditional charm. Do not let the stunning interior distract you from the fantastic food, however."

"Visit the award-winning Assheton Arms with a loved one while in the local area. The pub is set in a stunning, Grade II listed building and specialises in hearty meat dishes and fresh seafood specialities. Popular meals include Morecambe Bay plaice, Persian chicken and venison haunch, plus a variety of mouth-watering puddings."